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Stephen Silas Set to Join Darko Rajakovic's Raptors Staff
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Toronto Raptors are expected to hire long-time NBA assistant Stephen Silas to join Darko Rajakovic's coaching staff. He replaces James Wade and Mike Batiste, who recently accepted a role with Panathinaikos. Silas brings over two decades of experience, highlighted by a three-year run as head coach of the Houston Rockets. While an assistant hire rarely carries direct fantasy value, Silas adds important offensive structure and a proven track record of guard development. With Rajakovic recently signing a multi-year extension and the front office reacquiring Kawhi Leonard to pair with Scottie Barnes, Toronto's rotation philosophy is taking a much clearer shape. The coaching staff now offers fantasy managers a reliable baseline for how minutes will be distributed during training camp.
Source: Michael Grange
Source: Michael Grange
Is It Time to Buy Low on Devin Williams?
New York Mets relief pitcher Devin Williams has picked up 13 saves in his 33 games this season, but he has allowed three runs on six hits in his last two outings and was charged with his second blown save of the year on Monday. His opportunities have been limited due to his team's overall struggles, and his 4.85 ERA and 1.65 WHIP are definitely not what fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him as a top closer. He does have 43 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings, so the potential is still there, but irregular work and limited opportunity have held him back. If the Mets' new youth-infused lineup can help jumpstart their team in the second half, Williams has an elite ceiling. He's worth checking in on as a buy-low candidate since his manager could be frustrated with the Mets' disappointing season so far.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson Buried on a Deep and Healthy Depth Chart
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson popped up on the fantasy radar by taking advantage of an injury-depleted receiver room as a rookie in 2025. With the overlapping absences of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan thrusting him into a featured role, Johnson made 22 catches for 274 yards and five touchdowns over a seven-game mid-season stretch in which he became a regular part of the fantasy discussion for the Buccaneers. While Evans' departure in free agency means Tampa will be without its all-time receiving leader for the first time since 2013, the depth in the room is as strong as it's been in the Baker Mayfield era, with both Godwin and McMillan expected to be back at full health and 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka looking to take another step forward after showing flashes of dominance as a rookie. The team also spent a third-round pick on 6'3" boundary receiver Ted Hurst, leaving Johnson to fight for the fourth or fifth spot on the depth chart and potentially limiting him to a handful of gadget packages. At RotoBaller's WR116, he does not figure to factor into 2026 drafts, but having already demonstrated the ability to contribute in a pinch, Johnson could again be targeted on waiver wires should in-season injuries thin the Buccaneers' receiver room.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Webb Earns Another Save for Cubs, Entering Short-Term Must-Start Territory?
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb closed out his team's 9-7 win in Baltimore with a clean ninth inning, getting three straight groundouts to earn his fourth save of the season. He has not given up a run in seven straight outings, going 2-0 with two saves and a hold, while also recording eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. On the season, the 32-year-old righty has a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP, with 47 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. Webb seems to be the preferred option in the closer committee when available, although Trent Thornton earned a save on Tuesday after Webb came in to escape a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. The Cubs' primary closer, Daniel Palencia (elbow), is recovering from a flexor strain and will not return until after the break. He has not started a rehab assignment yet, so Webb could remain in an expanded role for a few more weeks, making him a valuable option in the bullpen for your fantasy team. For as long as he's getting high-leverage work, he's a strong option to grab from waiver wires or to start if you have him on your roster.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Egor Demin Shows More Aggressive Attack for Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin has made his improved offensive aggression a key Summer League storyline, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Demin reportedly added 13 to 15 pounds in the offseason and has looked more comfortable using his size to get into the paint. The 20-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists as a rookie last season, but his fantasy ceiling depends on turning that playmaking base into more efficient scoring. If the added strength leads to more rim pressure and free-throw chances, Demin could take a useful second-year step.
Source: Brian Lewis
Source: Brian Lewis
Kaelon Black Battling for an Important Insurance Role
After not even receiving an invite to the NFL Combine, the San Francisco 49ers selected running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 Draft, making him the third running back off the board, after only first-rounders Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. While head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have gotten uninspired returns from the running backs they've drafted in recent years, particularly those viewed as reaches by the draft community, as was Black, there is no denying the favorable situation the rookie finds himself in. Four-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey recently turned 30 and is coming off a season in which he touched the ball a career-high 450 times, and with Brian Robinson Jr. departing in free agency, Black's biggest competition for primary backup duties comes from 2025 fifth-rounder Jordan James. As a rookie, James did not register a single offensive stat until taking over late in the team's Divisional Round blowout loss to the Seahawks, but a year in the system could give him an early edge heading into 2026. While RotoBaller currently has neither ranked as a top 50 fantasy back for redraft leagues, the training camp battle between Black and James will be one to monitor, and should either gain a demonstrative edge, they will force their way into the late-round discussion for 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonas Valanciunas Drawing Knicks Interest in Free Agency
Free-agent center Jonas Valanciunas is among the centers on the New York Knicks' radar, according to SNY's Ian Begley. The Knicks had interest in Valanciunas during the 2024 offseason, and Begley noted that New York would have solid center depth if he chooses them in free agency. The veteran big man averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 65 games last season while playing a limited role in Denver. New York already added Andre Drummond behind Karl-Anthony Towns, so Valanciunas would likely need a clear backup role to regain fantasy relevance. His best path remains rebounds, efficient scoring, and short-minute double-double production.
Source: Ian Begley
Source: Ian Begley
Mets Promoting Dan Hammer, Worth a Speculative Add?
New York Mets relief pitcher Dan Hammer will be called up to add another right-handed option to the bullpen on Thursday. The 28-year-old has spent time in the Orioles and Rays systems over the last eight years, reaching Triple-A for the first time in his career this season with the Mets. Hammer has reached 98 mph during his time with Triple-A Syracuse and posted a 1.77 ERA over 17 appearances after posting a 2.77 ERA in 10 games in Double-A. Hammer's velocity and solid recent results give him intriguing upside if you're in a deep league that rewards relief pitching. The Mets' bullpen has struggled this year, and Devin Williams and Tobias Myers were each charged with a blown save already this week, in games the team eventually won. Hammer will likely slot in as a middle relief or setup role to begin his MLB career, but if he continues to be so effective could work his way into more high-leverage spots.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
True Freshman Cederian Morgan to Make Impact for Alabama?
Talented Alabama true freshman Cederian Morgan, who was the No. 5 wide receiver prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle, has a real chance to make an immediate impact, according to Brad Crawford of CBS Sports. The Tide head into 2026 without its leading and third-leading receivers from last year, Germie Bernard (NFL) and Isaiah Horton (transferred). Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and NC State transfer Noah Rogers figure to open the season as the three starters out wide, but Morgan will have the opportunity to earn a role this fall. "One of the nation's most polished pass catchers in the 2026 class, Morgan arrives with the size, ball skills and route-running ability to contribute immediately," Crawford wrote. "He doesn't need a full season to develop physically, and his ability to win contested catches should make him an attractive option in the Crimson Tide's passing game. Fall camp development is key to Morgan cracking the two-deep." The Alabama native is one of the top true freshmen to watch in the SEC this year and has significant upside in the future.
Source: Brad Crawford - CBS Sports
Source: Brad Crawford - CBS Sports
Travis Hunter Expected to be a Full-Go for Training Camp
Still recovering from the LCL injury that ended his rookie season, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) was a limited participant during June's minicamp practices, but NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe expects that he will be fully cleared for the start of training camp in late July. Wolfe also believes the second overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft is "ready to be unleashed", now running over 20 miles per hour, which is faster than he was ever clocked before the injury. Hunter projects to be a full-time starter on defense, with some in the building believing he'll soon be included in discussions of the league's top 10 cornerbacks. Still expected to be used as a two-way player, the team's offensive depth should allow the luxury of making his week-to-week usage at receiver more game-plan-specific, and as such, Hunter is RotoBaller's WR73. While he boasts the upside to make him a potential bargain at ADP, his primary value in 2026 could come in best ball drafts, where he is currently coming off the board in the early-double-digit rounds.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Bennedict Mathurin Remains a Clippers Priority in Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin remains a player the team wants to keep in restricted free agency, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. The Clippers tendered Mathurin a qualifying offer, giving them matching rights, and he averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 54 games last season. The scoring and free-throw volume keep him fantasy-relevant when the minutes are steady, but his 31.5 percent shooting from deep limits the ceiling. A return to Los Angeles would keep him in the mix for a real role, though his value still depends on starter-level minutes and improved efficiency.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Peyton Watson Drawing Interest from Clippers
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson is receiving interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. The Nuggets can match any offer sheet for the restricted free agent and reportedly want to keep him, though a sign-and-trade remains possible. Watson broke out last season with 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, and his defensive profile gives him a cleaner fantasy path than most low-usage wings. A Clippers move could help if it brings starter-level minutes, but the roster still has Brandon Ingram, Bennedict Mathurin, Rui Hachimura, and Jordan Miller in the wing mix.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
Tyson Hinds Signs Two-Year Contract With Ducks
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tyson Hinds has signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract. The 23-year-old made his first six NHL appearances in 2025-26 and is expected to have a full-time role next season. In his six outings, Hinds didn't register any points, but he averaged one hit per game and had 10 blocks across 15:37 of ice time per game. He held a regular role during the postseason, recording one assist, one SOG, 17 hits, and five blocks in nine games. Hinds went down in history as only the second player to earn his first career point with the Ducks in the playoffs. While it's always exciting to see new talent enter the league, Hinds doesn't offer much for fantasy purposes.
Source: Anaheim Ducks
Source: Anaheim Ducks
Barrett Hayton Remains With Mammoth
Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton will stay in Salt Lake City after the team matched the New Jersey Devils' offer sheet, ESPN's Kristen Shilton reports. Hayton inked a one-year, $4.775 million deal. Under the terms of the offer sheet, the Mammoth aren't allowed to trade Hayton for 12 months. However, he will be eligible to sign a contract extension on Jan. 1. While Hayton had a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong called him "a key piece" for the team. The former fifth-overall pick produced 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 67 games. Utah will want to see the 2024-25 version of Hayton next season. Two seasons ago, he had a career year with 20 goals and 46 points.
Source: Kristen Shilton
Source: Kristen Shilton
Connor Bedard to Miss Start of Season Due to Shoulder Surgery
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (shoulder) underwent surgery and won't be available for the start of the 2026-27 season, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. Chicago announced that Bedard is expected to make a full recovery in "an approximate timeline of four months." The new season will start in late September. Bedard, who is a restricted free agent, injured his left shoulder a week ago during a training session. Last season, the young superstar missed time due to a right shoulder injury, finishing with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 contests. It's unfortunate that Bedard has suffered another injury blow. However, he should provide outstanding fantasy value once he has recovered. Until then, Frank Nazar appears poised to serve as the top-line center.
Source: Greg Wyshynski
Source: Greg Wyshynski
Micah Potter to be Waived by Pacers
Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter will be waived to complete the team's signing of Larry Nance Jr., according to Alex Golden of Setting The Pace. Potter's $2.8 million contract was non-guaranteed, and the move creates a small cap savings for Indiana after adding Nance on a veteran-minimum deal. The 28-year-old had a useful run last season, averaging 9.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 47 games while shooting 42.3 percent from three-point range. Potter's stretch-big skill set could draw interest elsewhere, but he falls off the fantasy radar until he lands another NBA role.
Source: Alex Golden
Source: Alex Golden
Nick Kurtz Departs Early Due to Illness
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (illness) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Kurtz appeared to have jammed his hand during the first inning of this contest. Luckily, that wasn't the reason for his departure. Instead, Kurtz was pulled out of the game due to illness. He was hitless in his lone plate appearance and was replaced by Jeff McNeil at first base. Fantasy managers should consider Kurtz as day-to-day. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go in time for next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday for another update on his status.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Myron Gardner to Miss Remainder of Summer League
Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner (ankle) will miss the remainder of Summer League after spraining his ankle in Friday's California Classic opener against the San Antonio Spurs, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Gardner exited that game after posting two points, four rebounds, and two assists in seven minutes, then missed Sunday's matchup with the Lakers. The injury costs the 25-year-old valuable developmental reps after he averaged 3.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists for Miami last season. He remains off the fantasy radar unless injuries open a clearer regular-season role.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Dillon Dingler Pulled With Thumb Injury
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (thumb) left Wednesday's game against the Athletics early. Dingler took a foul tip off his right thumb during the first inning of this contest. The Tigers decided to play it safe and pull Dingler out of the game for precautionary reasons. The expectation is that Dingler is headed for X-rays so that the team can rule out any significant injuries. The 27-year-old was named to the American League All-Star team recently, so hopefully he'll be ready to go for that. Jake Rogers took over behind the plate and figures to see a bulk of the time behind the plate while Dingler is down. UPDATE: X-rays on Dingler's right hand came back negative, per The Detroit News' Chris McCosky.
Source: Jason Beck
Source: Jason Beck
Marcus Sasser Acquired by Mavericks in Six-Team Trade
Dallas Mavericks guard Marcus Sasser was acquired from the Detroit Pistons as part of a six-team trade, according to Mavs PR. Dallas also added Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic in the deal. Sasser had a limited role in Detroit last season, averaging 5.2 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 12.0 minutes per game. The 25-year-old shot 41.5 percent from three-point range, which gives him a useful path to bench minutes in his new home. However, his immediate fantasy ceiling is severely capped by a crowded depth chart. With Kyrie Irving returning to health to anchor the backcourt alongside Ryan Nembhard and rookie Sergio de Larrea, Sasser will have to fight for consistent reserve reps under new head coach Dusty May. Until he carves out a definitive rotation role, his fantasy value remains thin.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Owen Caissie Departs Early with Calf Tightness
Miami Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Caissie was taken out in the second inning of this contest due to right calf tightness. He was pulled out of the contest before even coming up to the plate. Griffin Conine took over in right field and could see extra playing time out there over the next few days. The severity of the injury is unknown, so fantasy managers should consider Caissie as day-to-day. This season, Caissie is slashing .239/.297/.459 with 12 home runs, 50 RBI, and four steals in 79 games.
Source: Craig Mish
Source: Craig Mish
Willson Contreras Exits with Foot Contusion
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Contreras fouled a ball off his foot during his at-bat in the third inning. He was able to finish out the plate appearance, but exited the game afterwards. The team is calling the injury a left foot contusion, so it appears he has avoided any fractures. Before exiting the game, Contreras was hitless in his two plate appearances. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Contreras as day-to-day. It wouldn't be shocking if he sits out for a game or two, but he should avoid a trip to the Injured List. The 34-year-old recently accepted an invitation to compete in the upcoming Home Run Derby. He might decide to opt out of that event, but it depends on the progress he makes over the next few days.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Mo Bamba Returns to Jazz on Two-Year Deal
Free-agent center Mo Bamba agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Bamba appeared in four NBA games last season between Toronto and Utah, averaging 2.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, but he was more productive with the Salt Lake City Stars at 16.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. The 28-year-old gives Utah another rim-protecting depth option behind Jusuf Nurkic. Bamba's blocks remain the fantasy hook, but he needs a real rotation role before becoming more than an injury-dependent streamer.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Thayron Liranzo Won't Play in All-Star Futures Game With Thumb Injury
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo (finger) won't be available to play during the upcoming All-Star Futures Game on Sunday. Liranzo is currently on the 7-day Injured List due to a left index finger laceration that required stitches. The organization doesn't believe that Liranzo has progressed enough to allow him to play in Sunday's Futures Game. He has been replaced by infielder Max Anderson from the team's Triple-A Toledo roster. The expectation is that Liranzo will return to action shortly after the break. He's slashing .211/343/429 with nine home runs and 31 RBI in 201 plate appearances at Double-A this season. The Tigers viewed Liranzo as a key piece to the future, but he still needs more time to develop his game.
Source: Evan Woodbery
Source: Evan Woodbery
Jonas Valanciunas Being Waived by Nuggets
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas is being waived, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The veteran big man is expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams after averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 65 games last season. The move allows Denver to avoid guaranteeing his full $10 million salary for 2026-27, officially clearing the way for recent signee Marvin Bagley III to handle the backup center duties behind Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas can still offer efficient scoring and short-minute double-double upside, but his fantasy ceiling is completely dependent on landing with a franchise that provides a consistent frontcourt role.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brandon Woodruff to Get Second Opinion on Shoulder
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) recently underwent an MRI exam, but the results came back inconclusive. The right-hander will get a second opinion, with the news that Woodruff is dealing with a right anterior shoulder capsule issue on Wednesday. Dr. Keith Meister will be the one doing the second opinion, the same doctor who performed Woodruff's shoulder surgery in 2023. The veteran right-hander is looking at an extended absence and is possibly done for the season. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information.
Source: Adam McCalvy
Source: Adam McCalvy
Larry Nance Jr. Lands One-Year Deal With Pacers
Free-agent forward/center Larry Nance Jr. agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 33-year-old spent last season with Cleveland, averaging 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while playing a limited role. Nance gives Indiana another veteran frontcourt piece who can rebound, pass, and defend multiple spots, but his fantasy ceiling remains low without a clear path to steady minutes. He would need injuries or a larger-than-expected bench role to become more than a situational fantasy option.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Luke Keaschall Making First Career Start in Center Field
Minnesota Twins second baseman/outfielder Luke Keaschall is making his first start in center field and will bat seventh on Wednesday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Slade Cecconi, according to MLB.com. Keaschall is already eligible in the outfield, in addition to second base, in Yahoo leagues, so it's not a ground-breaking development, but the 23-year-old could see regular starts in center field for the Twins for however long Byron Buxton (hip) stays on the injured list. Keaschall has struggled offensively in his first full season in the big leagues, as he enters Wednesday's action with a .255/.341/.347 slash line, .688 OPS, four home runs, 26 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 46 runs scored in 86 games across his 337 plate appearances. He's gone 9-for-39 (.231) with two homers, a double, two RBI, eight runs, and a steal in his last 14 games, but he's gotten going so far in July and carries a modest five-game hitting streak into Wednesday's tilt at Target Field. In three career at-bats against Cecconi, Keaschall has one hit.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mike Trout Back From the Injured List
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that they reinstated outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list before their game against the division-rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment in a corresponding move. Trout is serving as the Angels' designated hitter and will bat second in Wednesday's game against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star makes his return to the Halos' lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing almost three weeks with a strained right hamstring. Although the former 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft has had a resurgent 2026 season, nobody is expecting him to return to an MVP level the rest of the way, and injuries will probably continue to be an issue. But fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups after he has hit .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, and seven steals in his 265 at-bats this year. Trout is hitting .200 with an RBI in just five career at-bats against Gore.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Bailey Ober Expected to be Activated and Start on Thursday
The Athletic's Dan Hayes reports that it sounds as if right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start on Thursday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. It will be Ober's first start for the Twins since going on the IL in late May with a right flexor strain in his elbow. In his two minor-league rehab starts on the farm, Ober gave up seven runs with six strikeouts and no walks in 8 1/3 total innings. He got up to 76 pitches in his final rehab outing, so he shouldn't be faced with a pitch-count limit in his return to Minnesota's starting rotation this week. The 30-year-old veteran lacks considerable fantasy upside because of his decreased velocity and career 23.2% strikeout rate. In his 66 2/3 innings pitched with the Twins in 2026, Ober has a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate while going 6-3 with a 4.59 ERA (4.98 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, and 46:18 K:BB in 12 starts. In five starts in May, Ober went 3-2 with a rough 5.97 ERA (6.08 FIP), 17 strikeouts, and five walks in 28 2/3 innings. Nobody should be in a rush to scoop him up off the waiver wire or start him on Thursday against Cleveland.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
